ShopBot Labs
Developed by the engineers at ShopBot Tools, Inc.
ShopBot Labs is a collection of experimental applications designed to complement ShopBot CNC tools. These apps are provided to help ShopBot users explore new workflows for design, toolpath generation, and file preparation.
DISCLAIMER: All applications in ShopBot Labs are provided AS-IS, without warranty of any kind, express or implied. These are experimental tools under active development and may contain bugs, incomplete features, or unexpected behavior. ShopBot Tools, Inc. makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy of generated toolpaths or output files. Always verify output files and use proper safety practices when operating CNC equipment.
Furniture Designer
Design custom furniture with 3D visualization, joinery options, and CNC export capabilities.
Inputs: Dimensions, material type, joinery style
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, cut sheets, 3D preview
STEP Toolpath
Design custom furniture with 3D visualization, joinery options, and CNC export capabilities.
Inputs: Dimensions, material type, joinery style
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, cut sheets, 3D preview
Vacuum Plenum
Generate CNC toolpaths for vacuum table plenum grid patterns with configurable zones and channel routing.
Inputs: Table dimensions, zone layout, grid spacing
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, zone diagram
Slicer
Import a 3D model, slice it into layers along any axis at your material thickness, auto-nest slices onto sheet stock, and export CNC-ready toolpaths.
Inputs: STL or STEP 3D model, material thickness
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, nested layout, numbered slices
Image Carver
Turn any grayscale image into a 3D relief carving. Uses true ballnose endmill geometry compensation to compute tool-tip Z at every point, with configurable roughing passes, Gaussian smoothing, and a real-time 3D preview of the surface and toolpath.
Inputs: Grayscale image (PNG/JPG), work area size, bit diameter,
stepover, depth range
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, JSON export, interactive 3D preview
Lithophane
Turn any photo into a CNC-carved lithophane. Supports Corian and
PVC presets with auto-calculated depth ranges for correct light
transmission. Features backlit 3D preview, ballnose
compensation, and roughing passes.
Inputs: Photo (PNG/JPG), material preset (Corian/PVC/Custom), bit diameter, work area
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, JSON export, backlit 3D preview
Terrain Carver
Select any location on an interactive map, fetch real elevation
data from OpenTopography, and generate CNC toolpaths to carve 3D
terrain reliefs. Uses ballnose compensation, roughing passes,
and real-time 3D terrain preview.
Inputs: Geographic coordinates (interactive map), DEM dataset, work area, bit diameter
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, JSON export, 3D terrain preview
V-Engraver
Import vector art (SVG, DXF, clipart, or typed text with font
selection) and generate V-bit engraving toolpaths. Computes the
medial axis of each shape for natural V-carving, with optional
max depth limiting that adds flat-bottom pocket clearing and a
profiled boundary pass. Adaptive inset handles letters of any
size, and smooth curve detection avoids unnecessary lifts on
segmented arcs.
Inputs: SVG files, DXF files, typed text (multiple fonts), built-in
clipart, V-bit angle (30/60/90/120/custom), optional max depth,
pocket clearing toggle, stepover
Outputs: G-code, SBP toolpaths, real-time 3D carved surface preview